NTPC-SAIL Power Company has got environment clearance for expansion of its Durgapur captive power plant in West Bengal with an investment of Rs 362 crore. The company is a joint venture between state-owned firms, the country's major power producer NTPC and steel major SAIL. "Based on the recommendations of the Expert Appraisal Committee, the Environment Ministry has given the environment clearance to the project 'Durgapur Captive Power Project-III (2X20 MW)' in West Bengal by NTPC-SAIL Power Company," a senior Environment Ministry official told agency.
The environment clearance (EC), which will be valid for seven years, has been given subject to certain conditions, the official added. As per the proposal, the expansion project -- located within the Durgapur Steel plant -- will cost about Rs 361.94 crore, which includes about Rs 18.1 crore for environmental protection measures. The coal requirement will be 0.3 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) and will be sourced from SAIL's Ramnagore Captive Coal mine.
And the project does not require any further land acquisition. Among conditions that the company is required to comply with, the official said NTPC-SAIL Power Company has been asked to examine the feasibility of transportation of coal via closed conveyor from stock yard. Till that time, it has been asked to transport coal through covered trucks.
It has been asked to earmark a minimum amount of Rs 4.29 crore as capital cost for CSR activities and Rs 52.5 lakh per annum or the amount as per the CSR policy whichever is higher should be earmarked as recurring cost per annum till the operation of the plant. That apart, NTPC-SAIL Power Company has has been asked to submit a status report of the implementation of stipulated environmental safeguards every six months to the Centre. NTPC formed a joint venture with SAIL on 50:50 basis in March 2001.
The JV took over captive power plant-II located at Durgapur Steel Plant (2X60 MW) and Rourkela Steel Plant (2X60 MW) from SAIL.
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